Diversity in Culture Festival

Thursday, April 13, 2017 - 9:30am

The Diversity & Culture Festival is Free two-day Public Event on Wed & Thurs, April 12-13, 2017 from 9:30am - 5:30 pm. Presentations & entertainment are scheduled through the day at various campus locations. The Festival will feature speakers, performances, food, education, entertainment and a market place. Stay tuned as more events and performances are added. The Ventura College Diversity in Culture Task Force is committed to recognize, celebrate, and promote awareness and appreciation of the value of diversity at our college and in our community. See below for our complete Schedule of Events, plus information on our Student Art Contest & Poetry Slam.

Festival Highlights

Poet Laureate Richard Blanco

“The Mayan Calendar: Why the World Didn’t End in 2012”, A Presentation by Dr. Maline Werness-Rude, Art History Professor

“Migrant Stories, Who Are We and Where We Came From”, VC Students Share Inspirational Stories of Their Families, Moderated by Sonia Chumber, English Instructor

Student Art Contest $200 PRIZE and Your Artwork Featured on Next Year's Poster

Artwork must reflect the theme, "One World, One People, One Campus"

Artwork can be in any medium! Submission must be in a digital format with your file set up to 24"x36" at 300 ppi with files no larger than 10mb.Email your submission to vcartgallery@vcccd.edu Deadline to Submit Atrwork is March 30, 2017

Schedule of Events

EVENT

TIME

LOCATION

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Opening Ceremony - Chumash Welcome Song and Honoring the Ancestors

Traditional Native American welcoming and gift exchange with special guest Eleanor Fishburn, Chumash Culturtal Advisor and Dominique Madrid, Klamath tribal member. There will be an opportunity to participate in a medatation to honor the ancestors. Course HIST V058

9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Main Stage

Eyes of Freedom: A Nationally Traveling Veteran's Exhibit

This traveling memorial depicts the fallen Marines and Navy Corpsman of Columbus, OH based Lima Company 3/25, one of th most heavily engaged units of Operation Iraqi Freedom. These 23 life-sized portraits have become a powerful traveling verteran's tribute: Honoring ALL Who Answer our Nation's Call: Then, Now and Tomorrow. These eyes reflect the hundres of thousands of men and woman that have sacrificed defending our freedom.

Heather Aguailar, English Instructor will host and moderate a panel discussion designed to increase awareness of our LGBTQ population that has sparked a surge of interest among faculty and students to talk! So, let's talk! Panelists will discuss various aspects of LGBTQ life and concerns on campus. How can we learn from one another to implement change? How can the larger campus community adapt to be more inclusive of LGBTQ students and faculty? Course: ENGL V03A

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

ASC 130

Scottish Highlander Group

Historical period camp with interactive demos, and re-enactors in the period dress and in character.

9:30 AM - 5:30 PM

Grassy Knoll Outside of LRC

VC Art Dept Mural Project

The Ventura College Art Dept will be hosting a two-day, interacive mural project. This mural will capture the spirit of diversity for future VC events!

9:30 AM - 5:30 PM

East of Math/Sci Bldg

Ceramics Sale and Demonstrations

Art Professor Jenchi Wu will have ceramics demonstrations and sale.

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

LRC East Entrance

New Media Gallery – Focus on the Masters Portrait Series

Come and see an impressive collection of artists' portraits by Donna Granata in VC's New Media Gallery. Entitled "SPARK: Women Educator's, Innovators and Activists" this exhibition features portraits of local woman artists and educators such as:

Latina/o Leadership Network (LLN) will be hosting a panelist of Ventura College professors discussing their stories on the barriers they faced in order to get where they ae today. Come learn about how similar we are to each other and celebrate our differences.

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

MCW 208

No Need to be Awkward - Steve Turner

Exploring stategies and best practices for resching students with different abilities.

Instructor, Steve Turner along with students and staff will illustrate strength-based approaches when working with students with different abilities. Scenarios and strategies, along experiential exercises to enhance awareness with empathy and emotional intelligence will leave participant with increased appreciation for all forms of diversity!

Ramsey Jay Jr.'s inspiration has touched many, both professionals and students, and continues to energize them to live their lives without fear and limitations. Named by Ebony Magazines as one of the top "30 Young Leadrers under 30" in 2007. Most recently, in 2016, he was invited to make opening remarks at the White House where President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama hosted an event honoring Ray Charles.

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

ASC 150

Mindful Meditation with Jacklyn Walker

Professor of English Jacklyn Walker presents information and practices on how to incorporate meditation in your daily lives. Course ENGL V02

11:15 AM - 12:15 PM

South of LRC

VC String Ensemble with Director Robert Lawson

Music Professor and Director Robert Lawson presents the following musical pieces:

Sonatine - arranged for string Orchestra - By Maurice Ravel. Originally composed for piano, this work has rich moving melodies with beautiful colors of the strings.

Sinfoniafor String Orchestra - by Dmitri Shostakovich. This work was written and dedicated to "The Memory of the Victims of Fascism and War."

Imagine that are in an iceberg. You might imagine that there are parts of you and forces in your life that remain underwater - out of your awareness - yet they exist nonetheless. Depth psychology is the study of what lies beneath the surface - the images, dreams, and stories of the unconscious mind. In this presentation, you'll become familiar with ow depth psychology is used in clients it serves. And, you'll leave this presentation with tools and techniques to help you stay grounded and centered. Presenters are Adriana Attento, Siobhan McDevitt, and (via video) Jacquelyn Toth. Panel is hosted by Ioana Schmidt. Professor of Sociology and Human Services. Course: SOC V01

Geography Professor Philip Clinton presents the fascinating scenery and cultures of Southeastern Europe. From mosques to churches and mountains to beaches this place is off beaten track! Course: GEOG V08

12:30 PM - 1:45 PM

ASC 150

Film Screening of "White Helmets"

12:30 PM - 1:45 PM

MAC 202

Survivng Police Encounters with Lawrance Edwards

Dr. Lawrence Edwards who served as a Judge Pro Tem, Prosecutor, and Criminal Defense Attorney, and currently serves in the Communication Studies Department, will discuss the current state of police and civilian interactions, the Spector of death and serious injury at the hands of police, the why, and steps we can take to lessen the chance of becoming a victim of police violence: COMM V15

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

MCE 124

Sade Champagne-Musician and Inspirationsl Speaker

Sade Champagne is an award winning professional musical artist, inspirational speaker, entrepreneur, mentor, and Dream Coach. She is the executive Producer, Creator, and Director of over 150 charity events like Ventura County's Annual Rising Star Dance Competition, Ventura County's Vocal Superstar Competition, Grace Rallys and Love Never Fils. Her events and performances have been attended by more than 40,000 people.

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Main Stage

Traditional Witchcraft, the Path of the Heretic!- Griffin Cad

Hosted by Anthropology Professor Gigi Fiumerodo, come hear a presentation by Griffin Cad, a modern day with. Griffin will present much needed clarity in the practices and basic beliefs in what is today one of the most fast growing spiritual/religious movements in the western world, as well as shed some light on the contentious relationship between witches and most old-world religions. Course ANTH V07

"I did not choose music, music chose me" is something Jahny Walls frequently says during his performances. His music is fueled by his life struggles and two major musical influences: Carlos Santana and Bob Marley. Ivan Paredes, aka Jahny Wallz was born in Mexicali, B.C. Mexico and was raised in Imperial County. He was raised with four older brothers in a single-mother home that was surrounded in music of varying styles. It wasn't until he was at CSU Chico that Paredes' dreams of becoming a performer began to develop. He began studying various instruments, styles of music, performing and alleviating this growing pains through songwriting. His first was "Eastside," a reflection with university bureaucracy as he encountered difficulties promoting cultural events for the student body. Jahny Wallz felt - and continues to feel - the importance of shedding light on the non-academic accomplishments of underprivileged students.

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Main Stage

Migrant Stories, "Who Are We and Where We Came From" Student Panel Moderated by Sonia Chumber

VC Students share their inspirational stories of their families' journeys to the U.S. Come join this student panel moderated by Sonia Chumber, English Instructor. Course: ENGL V01B, GEOL V01B

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

MCE 227

“Make Your Home Among Goldfish”

Science instructors Jennifer Garder, Chloe ranciforte, Erin Brocker, and Kristen Clark will host an activity involving "Goldfish Crackers" and the Garrett Hardin's "Tragedy of the Commons" to discus similar themes to the VC One Book Campus book selection, Make Your Home Among Strangers. Course: CHEM V20, ENG V02, ENG V01B, GEOL V03L

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

SCI 119

VC Singers

The Ventura College Singers will perform

Set me as a seal - Clausen

Blackbird - The Beatles (arr. Runswick)

Daemon Irrepit Callidus - Orban

3:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Main Stage

Tina's Ports of Paradise

Come and see the majesty and music of this highly recognized traditional Polynesian music and dance revue.

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Main Stage

After Hours Events: An Event with Authors

Hosted by Gwendolyn Alley, English Professor. Three authors speak on how writing and passion shone a light and led the way through life's challenges. Discussion and Book Signings. Course: ENGL V01A

The Ventura College Art Dept will be hosting a two-day, interactive mural project. This mural will capture the spirit of diversity for future VC events!

9:30 AM - 5:00 PM

East of the Math/Sci Bldg

The Biological, Historical and Social Aspects of Understanding Race

Come hear and participate in this panel presentation and discussion about race with:

History Professor, Colleen Coffey

Anthropology Professor, Dr. Mathew Curtis

Librarian, Ayanna Gaines

Hosted by Gigi Fiumerodo, Professor of Anthropology. Course ANTH V02

9:30 AM - 10:45 AM

MCE 226

The Maya Calendar: Why the World Didn’t end in 2012

In this workshop we will explore the rudiments of Maya temporal calculations, the evidence that led to the idea that the calendar ended and that time stopped and why these ideas became so strongly held in modern popular culture. This presentation is by Art History Professor Dr. Maline Werness-Rude.

9:30 AM - 10:45 AM

ASC 140

Ceramics Sale and Demonstrations with Art Professor Jenchi Wu

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

LRC East Enterance

New Media Gallery - Focus on the Masters Portrait Series by Photographer, Donna Granata.

"Spark: Women Educators, Innovators and Activists," this exhibition features portraits of local women artists and educators.

10:00AM - 4:00PM

New Media Gallery

Poetry Slam

Local Poet Laureate Phil Taggert and local poets Fernando Salinas and VC students will present poetry as students compete for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place cash prizes. Prizes sponsored by ASVC. Hosted by VC Voices and the VC English Club

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Main Stage

CUBA: From the Special Period to the death of Fidel, Photos and discussion. ProfessorBill Hendricks has been a frequent traveler and lecturer to Cuba for 25 years, making 68 trips over that time. He will give an up-close and personal look into the complexity of this Island Nation as it makes it way into the world of globalization.

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

MCW 110

"The Gender Revolution is Here" Panel discussion regarding the evolution of identity and language, with Dri Juarez, Program Manager for the Trans-gender Economic Empowerment Project at the Los Angeles LGBT Center. Hosted by Gigi Fiumerodo, Professor of Anthropology

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

MCE 226

NAMI Presentation-NAMI is the largest grassroots organization in the U.S. that advocates for services for all persons who are impacted by mental illness. Through classes, support groups, presentations and advocacy, NAMI VC helps people to understand mental illness and how they can get help for those in need. Hosted by Ioana Schmidt, Professor of Sociology & Human Services.

Poet Richard Blanco, the fifth Inagural Poet of the United States. Mr. Blanco spoke at President Obama's 2013 presidential inauguration and has the dinstinction of being the first Latino, first immigrant, first openly gay-identified, and also the youngest person to hold this prestigious position in the U.S. to date. Reserve seats at https://richardblancovc.eventbrite.com

1:00 PM - 2:15 PM

ASC 150

Nachidian Vanjarana- Traditional Indian Punjabi Dance

Jaspreet Bal and her dance troupe will perform and educate on traditional North Indian dance and culture. Interactive fun for all.

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Main Stage

"The Watch That Ends the Night : Voices of the Titanic"

Paints a vibrant picture of the many souls included on the maiden voyage of the legendary R.M.S. Titanic and her hourney into human history. Told through varied viewpoints spanning class and station. Directed by Ventura College Faculty, Nathan Cole.